The Myths and Facts of Vitamin D and Sun Exposure

Yet, dermatologists still advise the public to practice sun protection to prevent skin cancer.

At a recent American Academy of Dermatology's Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month news conference, dermatologist Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., clinical professor, New York University Medical Center in New York City, debunked the myths surrounding Vitamin D and offered advice on getting an adequate dose of this nutrient.

"As a dermatologist who treats the ravages of skin cancer on a daily basis, it is appalling to me that anyone in good conscience could make the claim that intentional sun exposure - for any length of time - is beneficial," stated Dr. Rigel. "The fact is, skin cancer is increasing at an alarming rate and scientific research confirms that our best defense is avoiding excessive, unprotected sun exposure."

Dr. Rigel addressed the following myths about vitamin D and sun exposure:

Myth #1 - Sunscreen blocks Ultraviolet (UV) light. Consequently, UV radiation is prevented from reaching the skin, which leads to an inadequate amount of vitamin D in the body.

Fact - A 1997 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute of patients with Xeroderma Pigmentosa (a disease that predisposes persons to skin cancer who are exposed to very low levels of ultraviolet radiation), showed that these patients have normal vitamin D levels despite negligible amounts of UV exposure.

Myth #3 - Sunscreen does not allow UV radiation to reach the skin, so if people wear sunscreen, their bodies can form vitamin D.

Fact - Even the best sunscreen cannot block all UV radiation. But the amount that does hit the skin is enough to promote adequate vitamin D formation.

Myth #4 - Skin cancer is not a serious disease, so sun protection is not important.

Fact - One American dies every hour from melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

Myth #5 - Low levels of Vitamin D lead to more cancers and other diseases.

Fact - "There are no scientific studies that prove this statement," explained Dr. Rigel. "The claim is based on a study that finds that overall cancer rates are higher in the northeast United States, a location with lower sunlight levels than many other places in the country. Those making this claim conclude that since the northeast has lower UV levels, this is the reason why cancer rates are higher in this region. However, several studies prove this theory is false. These include studies that show that cancer rates are low in the northern plain states (areas with the lowest UV levels in the country) and small regional studies (New York state), where cancer rates are highest in areas with industrial pollutants and are not related to sunlight levels."

"When we take a close look at these myths and evaluate the facts, the course of action is clear," said Dr. Rigel. "Until there is science that tells us otherwise, it is imperative that people protect themselves from the sun. Anyone concerned about not getting enough vitamin D should either take a multivitamin or drink a few glasses of vitamin D-fortified milk every day. Given the fact that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared UV radiation as a known carcinogen, exposing oneself to it for the sake of vitamin D is not the answer."

The American Academy of Dermatology advises everyone to engage in the following sun protective practices:

avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest.

seek shade whenever possible.

wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.

reapply sunscreen every two hours.

wear sun-protective clothing.

About The Author

Diana Clarke is a teacher and the founder and editor of The Sun and Your Skin at yourskinandsun.com.

RELATED ARTICLESVitamin Supplement Ratings - Proof Of Popularity
Vitamin supplement ratings quite clearly show just how popular nutritional care and supplement products have become over recent years. For many vitamin and herbal products, vitamin supplement ratings seem to indicate that consumers are becoming more and more concerned with their health, and increasingly keen to protect themselves against health problems.
Herbal Nutrition Supplements: The 5Ws
Herbal nutrition supplements are everywhere these days. So should you be taking them? To help you decide for yourself, here are the whos, whats, whens, wheres and whys on herbal nutrition.
Supplements and Vitamins - Can They Enhance Your Weight Loss Goals?
Nutritional supplements can play a key role in the health of children and adults. Many people feel that they don't get enough vitamins and minerals through their daily intake of food and, therefore, turn to supplements to fill in the gaps.
Glyconutrients: A Breakthrough Discovery
The science of Glycobiology, touted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as one of the Top Ten Technologies that WILL change this world, is based on a breakthrough discovery. No combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbals, or any other nutrient can replace the necessary saccharides (plant sugars), found in glyconutritionals.
Increasing overall Health with Nutritional Supplements
"But I eat healthy," you might say. That may be but if you are not supplementingyour diet with nutritional supplements then you likely have certain nutritionaldeficiencies.
XanGo The Most Concentrated Source Of Xanthones, And Its All Natural
Xango is a brand new health and dietary supplement. It is made from the whole fruit puree of the Mangosteen.
What is HGH?
Hormones are chemical messengers made up of amino acids and produced by the endocrine glands to be sent all over the body to stimulate certain activities. Growth, digestion, reproduction and sexual functions in the human body are all triggered by hormones.
Top Ten Reasons To Supplement Your Diet With EPA Fish Oil
1. Most of the modern western diets contain way too much omega 6 in the form of breads and pasta, by supplementing your diet with an omega 3 fish oil supplement it will help to correct this imbalance of omega 6 to omega 3.
Vitamins In Our Daily Lives
Vitamins is something people been using for a while and it is more common this days. Is it good to use them or not? Many people say it is good since we live in a fast pace world, we live in a hurry and don't have time to site down and relax and have a nice healthy meal, for breakfast maybe a cup of coffee and off to work if you have some time, for lunch fast food convenient, fast, not expensive good right.
Nutritional Supplements: The Amazing Benefits of Vitamin E
The real benefits of Vitamin E may surprise you. First of all, what is Vitamin E? Vitamin E is not one nutrient but actually a group of eight nutrients known as tocopherols and tocotrienols.
That Brilliant Vitamin: Vitamin B
Perhaps you first read riboflavin at the back of a cereal box. Perhaps you first encountered folic acid from your first grade science teacher.
Fish Oils And A Plethora of Chronic Health Problems
I recently heard of an older couple that eats salmon every day for breakfast. To my finicky palate that does not sound as appetizing as waffles.
Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - L-Taurine
Taurine is the second most abundant amino acid in the muscle after glutamine. It performs several useful functions and can act in a way similar to creatine in that it expands cells by helping the muscle to hold more water, thus increasing cell volume.
Should I Be Taking Vitamin Supplements?
Most people believe that they are reasonably healthy. Exercise, having a solid diet, and keeping stress to a minimum is a great way to live a longer, happier, and healthier life.
Omega-3 And Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is responsible for numerous deaths in the U.S.
To Supplement or Not to Supplement; That is the Question
Some fitness adherents are supplement crazy and spend money like a Vegas drunk with a big roll trying to impress girls he barely knows. I know lots of folks who admit to spending hundreds of bucks each month on the newest, latest dietary or supplement craze.
Health Benefits of CoQ10 - A Powerful, Important Heart Compound
Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone, but most widely referred to as CoQ10) is a substance that can be found in every cell of the body, where it is used to produce the large amounts of energy needed for healthy cell growth, repair after damage, and maintenance.CoQ10 also functions as a powerful antioxidant, which protects the cells and the entire body from damage caused by harmful molecules.
Havent Heard of the Acai Berry Yet?
You've probably been eating blueberries since you were a little kid. Maybe you've had huckleberries too, which are a little harder to find since they're hand-picked in the wild.
Take Back Your Life 4
In parts one, two and three of this series, titled "Take Back Your Life", "Take Back Your Life 2" and "Take Back Your Life 3; we discussed the importance of proper cell function, the necessity of having and maintaining a balanced endocrine system, and the role of vitamins and minerals, including certain trace minerals as they relate to wellness. Here in part 4, we shall examine the antioxidant phenomenon and its indispensable part in furthering your efforts to maintain a state of wellness and optimum health.
8 Minerals Every Arthritis Sufferer Should Know About
Minerals are essential to maintain our bodies in top condition ..